History's 'Hatfields & McCoys' Breaks More Cable Records

Night 3 of History’s Hatfields & McCoys topped Night 1 and Night 2 with 14.3 million total viewers, 6.3 million adults 25-54 and 5.1 million adults 18-49 to become the new most-watched entertainment telecast of all time on ad-supported cable and the No. 1 entertainment telecast on ad-supported cable among 25-54 in 14 years. The mini’s three parts rank as the top three entertainment telecasts of all time in ad-supported cable history among total viewers. Overall, for the three nights on May 28-30, Hatfields & McCoys averaged 13.8 total viewers, 6 million adults 25-54 and 4.9 million adults 18-49. The 4.9 million ddult 18-49 average makes it the highest-rated miniseries or movie on cable since 1998.

Wake up? From what? The networks’ median ages are all over 50, meaning that more than half of their audiences are over 50 too. The problem with the two properties you referenced was that they failed attract younger viewers along with the older viewers. H&M’s A1849 rating is going to be about a 3.7 or a 3.8. The A1849 for Harry’s Law is less than half of that, including DVR playback.

filmbuzz88 • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Way to go Kevin Costner, its been along time coming! Well deserved………

K • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

I watched even though I never heard of the feud. Imagine what they could do with a story/subject more people were familiar with.

Also, I read someone mention Costner was promoting it all week. What shows was he or Bill Paxton on. I’d love to catch some of those interviews to see how they described the series and their expectations.

scifi_fan • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

They need to do a series about the Civil War. Doesn’t even matter where or what. It would do heart-attack numbers. I could also see a Western of some sort working, perhaps something that takes an unfamiliar and novel approach. H&C had a feeling of being Civil War and Western at the same time.

However, jury’s still out for historical periods like their Vikings series, and don’t they have a pirates series planned? I wonder how well they would do. 19th C American history has a big fanbase out there, but all history is not created equal.

Sareeta • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Yeah, I didn’t know anything about the feud, so it was informative and entertaining. I hope the great ratings signals that people will watch quality informative scripted series.

I am definitely feeling more positive about the upcoming Vikings series.

Moonshine Mug • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Absolutely brilliant. Incredibly strong cast, but Jenna Malone was stunning. It will be wonderful to watch her career blossom even further.

Molly • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

,,,WOW,,,

scar • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Well done series. Quality both behind and in front of the camera. History is probably wishing they made it a little longer and spread over a longer schedule. But well done by everybody.

theschnauzers • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Matt Barr (who played Johnse Hatfield) was also doing a lot of media interviews. He’s been on TV a lot, but this may have been a sort of breakout role for him as well. K, check the usual entertainment media there’s plenty of the promotion interviews on them.
This really was a well conceived and well executed project. This is one of those stories where the facts didn’t need to be embellished in telling the story; (I’ve been using google to look for material that gave the historical background, and I did not find one error by the production. That’s remarkable for television or film.

Not familiar? • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

How is that even possible? it’s part of the American lexicon. That really surprises me. Not judging at all just really surprised by that.

Now History Channel, let’s let Kevin Costner & Tom Selleck do more….WESTERNS….We WILL Watch!…..and you can use this slogan.

shareen lasher • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Try ” Into the west”(mini series-2005), “dances with wolves” or “tombstone!”

tryst • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

Bad*ss for sure. Cast was amazing. Bill and Kevin were born for westerns. I’m surprised by the number of people I’ve heard who are unfamiliar with the story….guess that’s what History channels are for

agca hadvatydc • on May 31, 2012 11:39 am

it was great and im in that 18-49 demo. however, i dont think network executives should rush to green-light any western shows. what made H&C a huge hit was its grittiness and realism, violence, language, just as the west was supposed to have been. people will tune in to watch stuff like that, not Wanted Dead or Alive or Gunsmoke (even tho those shows were also good in their day). The show gotta have an edge to it, kinda like A Fistful of Dollars – i aint gonna watch High Chaparral or Bonanza